John W. Byrnes

U.S. Congressman

What is John W. Byrnes known for?

John W. Byrnes was an esteemed American politician, born on June 12, 1913, in Green Bay, Wisconsin. He is fondly remembered as a notable alumnus of Marshfield High School in Marshfield, Wisconsin. Byrnes served as a U.S. representative for Wisconsin's 8th congressional district from 1945 to 1973. During his tenure, he held the chair of the House Republican Policy Committee from 1959 to 1965 and served as the ranking minority member of the Committee on Ways and Means from 1963 to 1972.

Prior to his time in Congress, Byrnes made his mark in the Wisconsin Senate, representing the 2nd District from 1941 to 1945. His contributions and dedication to law and public service were rooted in his education at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, where he gained his bachelor's degree.

Despite being elected in 1944 as a Republican to the 79th Congress from Wisconsin's 8th district, Byrnes showed an open mind, as evidenced by his voting in favor of the Civil Rights Acts of 1957, 1960, 1964, and 1968. He also supported the establishment of the Wisconsin Islands Wilderness, the 24th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. His broad-minded perspective was instrumental in shaping his political career and contributing to society.

After his stint in Congress, Byrnes practiced law in Washington and continued his life in Arlington, Virginia. Unfortunately, while traveling to Wisconsin for a medical check-up at the Marshfield Clinic, he suffered a stroke and passed away on January 12, 1985, in Marshfield. He was buried in his birthplace, Green Bay, at Allouez Catholic Cemetery.

For more in-depth information, please visit the dedicated page for John W. Byrnes in the Biographical Directory of the United States Congress.